Michael Snyder’s body found, wife charged with murder

Michael Snyder, a 43-year-old master mechanic in Albuquerque, New Mexico, disappeared in 2002. His wife, Ellen, said they got into an argument in a restaurant in Phoenix on January 15 and he just walked away. Curiously, Ellen did not report her husband missing, even though he left everything behind including a very good job, a house he’d built himself and was proud of, and a little daughter he loved. It was Michael’s mother who finally filed the MP report in May. Then, in October 2003, Ellen told the cops she’d spoken to Michael and he was all right. This statement turned out to be a lie.

Well, big surprise — Michael’s body was found buried at his former home a few days ago. The house was foreclosed on after he disappeared and a new owner built a garage over the spot where he was buried. The police had to tunnel through the garage floor. They knew exactly where to look, though. Ellen’s son told them he had helped his mother dispose of the body. He was only seventeen years old.

So Ellen is facing murder charges. Michael was shot to death, just like his stepson said. I can only imagine the guilt and anguish that young man has been carrying around for the past eight years. I think it’s horrible that Ellen used her own child to help cover up a murder. And horrible for Michael’s daughter, who will grow up knowing her daddy was murdered and her mommy did it. Presumably, before this she thought he had abandoned her.

As a stepmom myself, I have a soft spot for blended families. What a mess this one is! What kind of a mother would put her own TWO children through this?? It boggles the mind. Especially when it comes to Ellen’s son.

I know there are several people on Charley who seemingly had evil stepmoms that either caused, or watched without intervening, the “disappearance” (aka likely death) of innocent kids.

But Lordy, people like Ellen tick me off! Because there are a lot of “mothers” out there who play the innocent victim card, and convince their kids of the same.

I agree with you Wendy. How horrible for the son to be involved in this mess. And to have the little girl thinking her Daddy left her is horrific. Hopefully these kids will get some therapy (if they have’nt already)

When I 1st read this case, it screamed out that the wife was responsible. Very sad.